Brian Whitehead from The San Bernardino Sun reports that PlaceWorks, a Santa Ana based firm, to write the general plan that was last updated in 2005.
"PlaceWorks, with whom elected officials contracted last week for $3.6 million, also will create a specific plan for downtown and update the city’s Development Code.
San Bernardino last updated its general plan – a long-range policy document that steers future growth and development – in 2005, and while myriad factors in recent years have necessitated updates, the cash-strapped city has been unable to do so.
With an assist from Assemblyman James Ramos, D-Highland, the state’s current budget allocates $3 million to San Bernardino to amend its general plan. The city also has received a $625,000 state grant to craft a strategy for downtown development.
Councilman Jim Mulvihill last year called the $3 million a “lifesaver.”
While the Santa Ana firm’s $3.6 million bid was not the cheapest of the five up for consideration last week, city staffers recommended PlaceWorks based on its knowledge of San Bernardino, its responsiveness and attention to detail.
Additionally, the PlaceWorks team includes members of Rancho Cucamonga-based National CORE, a planning and development firm known for its public outreach and community engagement efforts.
Such work, city leaders have said, is paramount for a project so extensive."
